Babes in the Wood

The 1888 Drury Lane Pantomime

By Harry Nicholls and Augustus Harris

The production of "Babes in the Wood" at the Drury Lane Theatre exemplified the lavish spectacle, creative ingenuity, and cultural resonance that characterized the Victorian era's theatrical entertainments.

Harry Nicholls and Augustus Harris, the creative minds behind the 1888 production, brought their considerable talents to bear on "Babes in the Wood." Nicholls, a renowned comic actor and writer, and Harris, an influential impresario known as the "Father of Modern Pantomime," collaborated to create a show that would captivate audiences and set new standards for the genre. Their adaptation of the traditional English folk tale of the same name was a masterful blend of humor, adventure, and visual spectacle.

The story of "Babes in the Wood" centers on two children who are abandoned in a forest by their wicked uncle, only to be rescued by kind-hearted woodland creatures. This simple narrative provided a framework for a rich tapestry of scenes and characters, each contributing to the overall charm and appeal of the production. Nicholls and Harris infused the tale with a range of comedic and dramatic elements, ensuring that it resonated with both children and adults.

Beyond its entertainment value, "Babes in the Wood" also reflected the social and cultural milieu of the late Victorian period. Pantomimes often included topical references and satirical commentary on contemporary events and figures. This production was no different, incorporating humorous nods to political and social issues of the day, which would have been readily understood by the audience.

The success of the 1888 Drury Lane pantomime can be attributed to the synergy between Harry Nicholls and Augustus Harris, whose combined vision and expertise created a show that was both innovative and rooted in tradition. 

"December is, in the natural course of things, devoted to Pantomimes and Christmas pieces, Drury Lane being, as usual, strongly to the front with "Babes in the Wood."

All the Year Round

London, December 1889

ISBN 978-1515195801

$14.95

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